Category: Music

Dr. Kevin Gebo is now in his third year as Director of the Mason Summer Trumpet Academy, June 17-21, 2019. What does he say to potential teen trumpet players, ages 13-18, who are considering signing up? “Be ready to play and learn a lot!” 

Dr. Kevin Gebo, a George Mason University Trumpet professor, leads the Trumpet Academy, which is part of Mason Summer Music Intensive Week. Located in Mason’s School of Music on the Mason Fairfax campus in Fairfax, VA (in the Washington, DC Metro area), the Summer Music Intensive Week brings aspiring teen musicians from across the region and the country together for instrument-specific clinics, group masterclasses and workshops, social activities, and a robust final student performance in the Center for the Arts concert hall.

 

 

Along with the usual clinics, masterclasses, rehearsals, and trumpet ensembles, a new feature this year we will be a mock audition and solo performance for each student.

“You can expect substantial one on one teaching with some of the world’s best, a chance to perform with other young trumpeters in the area, and building confidence in your playing for the following school year,” explained Dr. Gebo. “When students leave this intensive, they will be ahead of the game back at school!”

 

 

Two very special guest artists are currently in the works, which will be officially announced in the next few weeks as soon as details are finalized.

“I love the fact that my colleagues and I get to work with each student individually and watch them grow, even in such a short time,” said Professor Gebo.

 

 

“A stand-out part of the week for me is always the final concert performance with the trumpet ensembles,” stated Dr. Gebo. “It  makes me so proud to see the work put in by the students in just one week!”

The Trumpet Academy offers a unique mix of learning from teaching artists, performing with peers, learning about all areas of the music world, and working with guest artists from around the world.

As part of Summer Music Intensive Week, the Mason Summer Trumpet Academy also offers a Residential option, including on-campus housing and meals plus special evening activities, for an additional fee.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

DOWNLOAD FLIER (spread the word!)

 

The Mason Summer Clarinet Academy, June 17-21, 2019, not only offers students ages 13-18 a week full of exciting clarinet music and activities, but also a bevvy of guest artists, performances and special clinics. Of course, the clarinet choir, with it’s creative covers of pop songs, is an annual favorite!

Directed by George Mason University Clarinet Professor and Buffet Group USA artist Dr. Kathy Mulcahy and The Clarinet Project founder Catina Sweedy, the program is part of Mason Summer Music Intensive Week. Located in Mason’s School of Music on the Mason Fairfax campus in Fairfax, VA (in the Washington, DC Metro area), the Summer Music Intensive Week brings aspiring teen musicians from across the region and the country together for instrument-specific clinics, group masterclasses and workshops, social activities, and a robust final student performance in the Center for the Arts concert hall.

 

 

Accompanying the standard clarinet techniques workshops, a new feature this year will be a special bass clarinet techniques workshop. There will also be clinics on auditioning for district and all-state band, how to win school band auditions and playing tests, and applying to college as a music major.

“If your child wants to improve their clarinet playing and confidence, would appreciate a place to work with and ask questions from professional clarinetists, and would be inspired by clarinetists from the United States Navy Band, then the Mason Summer Clarinet Academy is the right choice!” exclaimed Ms. Sweedy, speaking to conscientious parents.

 

 

Guest artists for this year include clarinetists from the United States Navy Band giving a special performance, award-winning clarinetist and Rovner artist Seth Kibel giving a Klezmer master class, and D’Addario artist Rucha Trivedi presenting a “How Reeds and Mouthpieces Work” clinic.

“My personal favorite elements of the week are the clarinet choir pop song covers – especially Bohemian Rhapsody – and working with students and clarinet professionals as equals,” stated Ms. Sweedy.

 

 

“Thinking back, some of my favorite Clarinet Academy memories include playing the historic clarinets with Marie Ross, hearing the kids improvise after only one session with artist Felix Peikli, and dancing in a circle around David Drosinos playing Greek clarinet music,” reminisced Ms. Sweedy.

Here’s your chance to learn new clarinet techniques, to ask questions and get answers, to meet and hear guest artist clarinet performers and educators, to play in a clarinet choir and perform a solo piece in a student recital, and to meet new clarinet friends!

As part of Summer Music Intensive Week, the Mason Summer Clarinet Academy also offers a Residential option, including on-campus housing and meals plus special evening activities, for an additional fee.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

DOWNLOAD FLIER (spread the word!)

 

Special thanks to our program supporters:

[one_third][/one_third][one_third]

[/one_third][one_third_last]

[/one_third_last]

[one_third][/one_third][one_third][/one_third][one_third_last]

 

[/one_third_last]

 

The Mason Summer Flute Academy, June 17-21, 2019, is engineered to inspire students ages 13-18 to learn more, practice more, and enjoy flute playing more, culminating with a knock-out performance on stage in Mason’s Center for the Arts!

Directed by George Mason University Flute Professor Julianna Nickel, the program is part of Mason Summer Music Intensive Week. Located in Mason’s School of Music on the Mason Fairfax campus in Fairfax, VA (in the Washington, DC Metro area), the Summer Music Intensive Week brings aspiring teen musicians from across the region and the country together for instrument-specific clinics, group masterclasses and workshops, social activities, and a robust final student performance in the Center for the Arts concert hall.

 

 

“We will explore areas of flute playing and performance that increase a performer’s knowledge base and inspire one to keep growing as a musician,” explained Professor Nickel, “including Baroque music, extended techniques, and chamber music.”

 

 

This year’s guest artist is Leah Arsenault Barrick, Assistant Principal Flutist from the National Symphony Orchestra and one of the country’s top flutists. Her vibrant personality and love of the flute is sure to inspire the participants.

Foxes Music Company will also be on site with flutes, piccolos, sheet music, and accessories for everyone to peruse/ purchase.

 

 

“One of my absolute favorite parts of the week is watching the group enjoy hanging out together and cheering each other on,” said Ms. Nickel.

As part of Summer Music Intensive Week, the Mason Summer Flute Academy also offers a Residential option, including on-campus housing and meals plus special evening activities, for an additional fee.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

DOWNLOAD FLIER (spread the word!)

 

Special thanks to our program supporters:

[one_half]

[/one_half][one_half_last]

 

[/one_half_last]

The Orff Schulwerk Certification program at Mason has elevated the approach to music education for countless elementary and middle school music teachers around the region, the country, and globally for over 35 years. Start with Orff Level I this summer, July 15-26, 2019, or continue with Levels II or III to pursue your official American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) Certification.

Directed by George Mason University Professor Joyce Stephansky, the program takes place in Mason’s School of Music on the Mason Fairfax campus in Fairfax, VA (part of the Washington, DC Metro area). Through an arrangement with the School of Music and the Mason Community Arts Academy, participants can enroll as Non-Credit (still Certification eligible) or For-Credit (earning Graduate credit through Mason).

“Teachers can expect a transformative experience, and a sense of belonging to a unique and creative community,” explained Professor Stephansky. “I would tell any potential student that Orff Schulwerk teacher education will change your life! As always, we will be offering all three Orff Levels, led by an energetic and knowledgeable seasoned faculty. This year our program will be honored by the presentation of a specialty xylophone, created by Sonor instruments, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Orff Schulwerk Association. This honor also comes with a scholarship for one of our students.”

 

 

“My favorite part of teaching Level I is watching the students begin to understand that it is the process of the teaching and not the product that is our main goal as educators. It’s like watching light bulbs going off all over the place!” exclaimed Ms. Stephansky. “Celebrating our 30th anniversary a few years ago was a highlight. I also remember the awe and inspiration I felt as a Level I participant in the GMU Orff program way back in 1993.”

The final Friday of the program will be celebrated with a luncheon and a special sharing of the highlights from each Level class. Family, friends, and former students are invited to attend. “We are also planning a fun after-hours gathering with Kodály friends to share our bond through music education,” said Ms. Stephanky.

 

 

For those who have already completed all 3 Orff Levels and/or are looking for complimentary or enhanced music educator experiences, our Supplementals week, July 8-12, is just for you! This summer’s courses include Orff Schulwerk Repertoire, Marimbas and More, and First Steps in Music.

For a limited time, registrants can also sign up for on-campus Housing, for convenient and affordable lodging during their time in the program.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

DOWNLOAD FLIER (Spread the word!)